McLaren to trial upside-down rear wing at F1’s Austrian GP

McLaren to trial upside-down rear wing at F1’s Austrian GP

June 23, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

McLaren is trialing an experimental, upside-down rear wing during Friday’s Free Practice sessions at the Austrian Grand Prix. According to team statements, the move follows similar aerodynamic explorations by Ferrari and Red Bull as McLaren seeks additional lap time and performance refinements for the MCL40.

Why is McLaren testing an experimental rear wing?

McLaren aims to find lap time opportunities through continuous refinements. Technical director Neil Houldey stated the team is focusing on minor detail updates around the car’s rear corners alongside the experimental wing.

Why is McLaren testing an experimental rear wing?

Houldey noted that while the current package is lighter than recent updates, it remains part of a season-long development pathway. The team’s recent larger upgrade packages in Miami and Canada have helped the squad close the gap on championship leader Mercedes.

Did You Know? Ferrari introduced a rear wing during winter testing that rotated 180 degrees when straight mode was enabled.

How does this compare to Ferrari and Red Bull designs?

The “upside-down” concept has appeared previously with other top teams. Ferrari’s winter testing design drew significant interest from rivals after it demonstrated a 180-degree rotation. Red Bull later introduced its own upside-down rear wing at the Miami Grand Prix.

McLaren’s current trial is understood to be an upside-down design, though Red Bull’s version differed in its operational method. This trend highlights a shared technical direction among the paddock’s leading teams.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the drive to match the Ferrari SF-26—which Lando Norris and Andrea Stella identify as the best chassis in F1—is pushing teams toward high-risk experimental aero. The shift toward “lighter” packages suggests a strategic trade-off between raw downforce and overall vehicle agility.

What happens next for the MCL40?

The experimental wing is a test item. It is not expected to be used in Austria beyond the Friday practice sessions.

Is McLaren's rear wing trick F1's next major controversy?

The design, or a potential variant, may reemerge later this season as a formal performance upgrade. This is likely to happen only after the team conducts a careful analysis of the data back at the factory.

How does the competitive landscape look?

The battle for chassis superiority has intensified. Both McLaren team boss Andrea Stella and world champion Lando Norris have singled out the Ferrari SF-26 as the current benchmark in the sport.

Ferrari’s momentum is further evidenced by Lewis Hamilton, who broke a streak of Mercedes victories with his first Ferrari GP win in Barcelona.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is McLaren testing the experimental rear wing?
The team is running the wing throughout Friday’s Free Practice sessions at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Which car is currently considered the best chassis in F1?
According to McLaren team boss Andrea Stella and Lando Norris, the Ferrari SF-26 is the best chassis in F1 right now.

What other updates did McLaren bring to the Austrian Grand Prix?
The team delivered minor detail refinements on the rear corners of the MCL40.

Do you think experimental aero updates during practice sessions are the most effective way to gain a competitive edge?

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